45 killed as Indore-Patna Express derails

Kanpur, Nov 20 (PTI) At least 45 people were killed and over 150 injured when 14 coaches of the Indore-Patna Express derailed near Pukhrayan in Kanpur dehat district in the wee hours today.

The mishap took place at around 3 AM near Pukhrayan, about 100 kms from here, when the passengers were fast asleep.

"As of now 45 persons have died in the incident," UP ADG, Law and Order, Daljeet Chowdhury said.

"Over 150 injured people have been rushed to nearby hospitals in the area. All hospitals have been asked to be alert. More than 30 ambulances have been pressed into service," IG (Kanpur range) Zaki Ahmed told PTI.

Over 250 police officials are involved in carrying out the rescue and relief operations.

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered a probe into the train tragedy.

"All rescue relief work is on to deal with the unfortunate accident. All medical and other help rushed. Inquiry ordered. Situation monitored closely," Prabhu said in a tweet.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has instructed the DGP to personally monitor the relief operations and deploy traffic police along the route of the mishap site to ensure green corridor for ambulances to reach hospitals quickly.

Kanpur district officials have been instructed to take support of Indian Medical Association to avail the services of more doctors for extending medical support to train accident patients, the CM said.

More ambulances/roadways buses have been rushed to the spot for speedy relief operations, the CM said.

DG Health & ADG (Law and Order) have also been rushed to the accident spot to monitor the relief operations. MORE PTI ZIR ABN ARU DV

This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.

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